|
16 March 2005 - DEFRA Update on
Nanotechnology
Navigation
An update on nanotechnology and nanoscience is now available on
the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' (DEFRA's) website,
offering answers to visitors about nanoscience and nonotechnology.
It is the first in a series of science notes available as part of the National
Science Week running from 11 to 20 March 2005.
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) and other organisations have in
the past held concerns about exposure of nanoparticles with regards to the tiny
particles which may affect the safety of employees, if inhaled and absorbed.
Nanoscience could be used in areas such as the following in the
future:
-
Conversion of pollutants to less harmful environmental
chemicals.
-
More energy efficient water purification could benefit from nano-engineered
membranes.
-
Nano-sensors could detect chemicals for mechanical stresses in
buildings.
-
Nanoparticles in paint technology could perhaps be a thinner,
providing lighter coatings, thus reducing weights of aeroplanes etc., in turn
cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
Whilst nanotechnology could provide many benefits to workers and
environment alike, DEFRA say we need to understand more about the impacts
nanotechnology may have and are therefore leading a cross-government group to
co-ordinate their research efforts.
The updated DEFRA website can be accessed by clicking the
following:
Nanoscience and the Environment
Article by Alexandra Johnston
|
